Online slot games are available in their thousands online, so players are never short of options. They are highly appealing and easily noticeable when walking into a land-based casino. Whether it is their rambunctious noises, flashing lights or the sound of coins dropping, they sure command attention.
Online slot games are a little different to card and table games. They have continually evolved, so the options are limitless. There are different reel setups, different number of paylines, in-game features and much more.
If you are intrigued by online slot games and are looking for the best slots strategy, you have come to the right place. We will be delivering some hard truths as well.
How do online slots work?
Before jumping into slots strategies, you need to comprehend how online slot games work. If you are playing at a legit online casino, all online games must use a random number generator that is regularly audited and checked by independent third parties. This is important since if you don’t play at a licensed casino, you are risking playing online slot games with a lower RTP rate or worse, the games are rigged.
The main aim of the random number generators is to produce numbers, even when they are not in use. They make sure that they produce fair and impartial results, so each spin of the reels has the same odds as the next one.
Here’s a quick overview of important online slot machine terms:
- Reels: These refer to the actually vertical reels that spin when you play online slot games.
- Rows: Similar to the reels, but they are horizontal.
- Payline: A payline is responsible for winning paylines. Identical symbols must fall on one in order to achieve a win.
- RTP: Also known as the payout percentage of Return To Player in full, it is the percentage of the bets that players can expect to get back over a period of time.
- Min and Max Bet: The amount you wish to bet per spin.
- Variance: The risk factor associated with the online slot game.
- Progressive Jackpot: A network prize pool that keeps on increasing with each bet placed by players.
Best strategies for online slot games
We must be honest with you, that no matter what strategies you read out there, there is very little you can do to influence the outcome of a slot game. Actually none whatsoever. However, there are a few tips and tricks that we would like to share with you that will help weather the storm.
If you are an avid slots player, you know all too well that the results are often random. With any game of chance, you might win some, but you are likely to lose more. Bear in mind that the house edge is likely to get you in the end.
Here are some of the best tips we can share on making sure you have the best experience when playing slot games:
Know your Slot Machines
There are many slot games out there, but not all of them come with the same payout percentage or variance. You should research any online slot games you are thinking of playing.
Understandably, you may find some games more interesting than others, but unless you know what their payout percentage and variance are or the hit frequency, your gambling session will be cut short.
Research Your Casino
You can find the best payout percentage slot games on the market, but if the casino you are signing up to is dodgy, then all the games you will be playing will be either rigged or have a lower payout percentage than stated.
Signing up for a licensed and regulated online gambling site is important so you can have a fair experience.
Not all games are created equally
Sometimes the simpler the slot game, the higher your chances of winning. Games such as old-school fruit machines or simply older games are likely to have better odds. Sure, newer games come with various perks and in-game features, but that does not mean you will achieve more wins.
Bankroll management
Some players prefer to play in one session, which is good if you are on a winning streak. If you are on a losing streak and keep going, you will lose all your bankroll in one go. You could split up the sessions into smaller ones especially if you are hitting a losing patch.
Learning to manage your bankroll will give you better control and enjoyment of your session.
Understand how slots work
With so many options on the market, knowing how online slot games work can save you some money in the long run. To boost your chances of winning, know how your chosen online slot game works.
Trying the game in free demo mode is wise since you will get to experience the game’s many features and mechanics first-hand.
To use a bonus or not use a bonus
Many players prefer to extend their online gambling session by claiming a casino bonus. This is all fine and dandy as long as you have had a closer look at the terms and conditions. If you claim a casino bonus with impossible wagering requirements, you will never be able to cash out your winnings.
If you like the casino enough but are not a fan of the terms and conditions of its casino bonuses and promotions, feel free to play with the money deposited. There are still wagering requirements to meet, but these will be minimal.
Know the rules
If you are claiming a welcome deposit bonus or any type of casino bonus available online, you should be aware of the terms and conditions. If you fail to read them, you may commit some grave errors. For example, if you are playing an exempt game, you are not contributing at all towards the wagering requirements.
Jackpots galore
We have all dreamed of winning a jackpot at some point or another, but jackpot games are the worst culprits when it comes to lower payout percentages.
Now that you have read our tips, you should be aware of some myths that you are likely to come across online.
Common misconceptions when it comes to slot games
As the popularity of online slot games continues to increase, you should be aware of some poor advice shared out there. Here are some of the most common ones.
Betting big to win a jackpot
This is an age-old myth that stipulates that if you bet big you are more like to win a jackpot. That may or may not be true, but we have all heard of players winning jackpots from making small bets as well.
Don’t feel pressured into betting big, as there are no guarantees you will win a jackpot. The odds are mostly against you.
Hot or Cold Online Slot Game
No such thing as a loose slot game when you are playing online. Random number generators have made sure that every spin of the reels is independent of the other, so they all have the same odds.
Altering Payout Percentage
We are going to go out on a limb here, but yes, some casinos will alter their payout percentage. Many casinos will state otherwise, but many online slot games released these days come with 3 different payout percentages. The casino may state you are playing a game with a certain RTP, but they could have opted for a lower one.
If you are playing at a rogue casino, then you are definitely playing games that have been altered.
Overall, when you are playing online slot games, you are playing with a high-risk factor. Unlike games such as Blackjack and Baccarat, you cannot influence the results, so you are in a vulnerable position to some extent.
You can win some online slot games, but it is also easy to get caught in a cycle and keep on spinning the reels until you lose all your bankroll. Slots can be a lot of fun, and you can win some and lose some. As long as you know when to pull the plug and walk away, then you should be good to go.